Airplane leading edge de-icing apparatus

ABSTRACT

An airplane leading edge de-icing apparatus having a heat diffuser for heating the leading edges of an airplane is provided. The heat diffuser has a first heat diffuser side having a concave shape and a second heat diffuser side having a convex shape. The heat diffuser is joined to the leading edge of an airplane. A counter current heat exchanger is provided and heats a heat transfer fluid with heat energy absorbed from hot gases. The heat transfer fluid is pumped in and out of a reservoir tank with a first pump. A second pump pumps the heat transfer fluid in and out of the heat diffuser. The heat energy in the heat transfer fluid housed in the heat diffuser is transferred to the convex surface of the second heat diffuser side and prevents and/or melts ice build-up.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/088,630, filed on Apr. 18, 2011 the contents of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Ice build-up on the leading edges of an airplane, that is the wings andtailfins, is a dangerous problem. It has been and continues to be one ofthe leading causes of airplane crashes. The ice build-up adds to theweight of the airplane, interferes with airflow, and causes criticalaircraft components to freeze in place.

Presently there are only a few options available to overcome the icebuild-up problem. One option is to attach expandable rubber boots to theleading edges of the airplane wings (and tailfin) and actuating theboots (usually with air), such that they extend in a direction away fromthe leading edges. The purpose of this is to cause any ice build-up onthe leading edges to break apart and fall to the earth. One of theproblems with this is that if the boots are deployed too early, then thewater/rain on the leading edges has a tendency to freeze the boots inplace. This leads to more undesirable ice build-up.

Another option is sometimes referred to as the weeping wing design. Apump is provided and it pumps antifreeze fluid (glycol) through smallholes in the leading edges. One of the problems with this option is thatthe fluid runs out too quickly (it typically lasts for 2 hours), andthus the fluid reservoir is always is in need of refilling.

Another drawback associated with the first two options is that they eachrequire constant pilot attention.

Another option is to provide electrical heaters for heating the leadingedges and using the heat energy to melt the ice. However, electricalheaters cause an undesirable draw on engine horsepower and mayundesirably increase the risk of a fire on the aircraft.

Thus, there is an immediate need for an apparatus and method for meltingice build-up on leading edges of an airplane that is easy to use andinstall, energy efficient, lightweight and reliable. There is also aneed for the apparatus to operate in a manner that poses little risk ofstarting a fire on the airplane.

SUMMARY

A heat diffuser for heating the leading edges of an airplane isprovided, and the heat diffuser has a first diffuser side having aconcave shape with a concave surface. A second heat diffuser side havinga convex shape with a convex surface is joined to the first heatdiffuser side along a first edge and an opposed second edge. A firstdiffuser end joined to the first heat diffuser side and the second heatdiffuser side, and a second diffuser end joined to the first heatdiffuser side and the second heat diffuser side such that the firstdiffuser end and the second diffuser end are opposed. The heat diffuseris joined to the leading edge with an adhesive or screws such that itmay be readily joined and removed from the leading edge. A diffusercavity is defined internal to the heat diffuser. Heat transfer fluidthat has been heated is pumped through the heat diffuser and the heattransfers through the second heat diffuser side to melt and/or preventice build-up on the leading edge.

A fluid circuit is provided for distributing heat transfer fluid thathas been heated to the heat diffuser and includes a counter current heatexchanger for capturing heat energy from the exhaust gases exiting theairplane engine. There is a first pump capable of pumping the heattransfer fluid from a reservoir tank and through a counter current heatexchanger such that it is heated, and then back to the reservoir tank. Asecond pump is provided and is capable of pumping heat transfer fluidfrom the reservoir tank, though a delivery tube, a tap tube, a solenoidvalve, a diffuser tube, and through the heat diffuser to thus heat theheat diffuser. The second pump also returns the heat transfer fluid backto the reservoir tank through a diffuser return tube.

A micro-controller is provided and receives temperature data from anoutside air temperature probe, a tank temperature probe disposed in thereservoir tank, and a temperature probe disposed in the diffuser. Themicro-controller controls the first and second pumps and the solenoidvalve to ensure optimal circulation of the heat transfer fluid in theheat diffuser to melt or prevent ice build-up on the leading edge of theairplane.

A method of melting and/or preventing ice build-up on the leading edgesof an airplane is provided. A heat diffuser is joined to the leadingedge of an airplane. A fluid circuit is provided for delivering heattransfer fluid that has been heated to the heat diffuser. Heat energy istransferred through the heat diffuser to melt ice and prevent ice frombuilding up on the heat diffuser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an airplane.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a heat diffuser

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the heat diffuser taken along line 3-3 ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of heat diffuser joined to a leading edge ofa wing taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a sectional view of another embodiment of a heat diffuser.

FIG. 5 is a schematic of a fluid circuit.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a counter current heat exchanger.

FIG. 7 sectional view of the counter current heat exchanger taken alongline 7-7 of FIG. 6.

DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIG. 1 there is an airplane 20 having a fuselage 22, andfirst and second wings 24, 26 joined to the fuselage 22. The airplane 20also has a cockpit 28. A tail fin 30 and first and second horizontalstabilizers 32, 34 extend from the fuselage 22. Each of the first andsecond wings 24, 26, tail fin 30 and first and second horizontalstabilizers 32, 34 has a leading edge commonly designated herein byreference number 40. The airplane 20 has a pair of engines commonlydesignated 106. In one of the preferred embodiments the engines 106 arepiston engines 107. The use of piston engines 107 in connection with anaircraft 20 is well known to those having ordinary skill in the art andis therefore not described herein in detail.

The airplane leading edge de-icing apparatus 42 includes a heat diffuser46. The heat diffusers 46 may be joined to all or less than all of theleading edges 40 of the airplane 20. As shown in FIG. 1 and forillustrative purposes, portions 25 of the leading edges 40 proximal theengines 106 are exposed, that is, a heat diffuser 46 is not joined tothe portions 25 of the leading edges 40. It is to be understood that aheat diffusers 46 may be joined to cover the portions 25 of the leadingedges 40 that are exposed in FIG. 1.

The heat diffuser 46 shown in FIGS. 2-4 has a heat diffuser lengthdesignated DL. In one of the preferred embodiments the length DL isabout five feet. The heat diffuser length DL may be more or less thanfive feet in other embodiments to meet the design requirements ofvirtually any application. For example, the heat diffusers 46 may beconstructed such that they have diffuser lengths DL's of one, two,three, four or more than 5 feet. In addition, virtually any desiredcombination of heat diffusers 46 of the same or different lengths may beutilized to achieve the desired coverage of the leading edge 40.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 the heat diffuser 46 has opposed first andsecond heat diffuser sides 48, 50. The first heat diffuser side 48 has aconcave shape with a concave surface 52, and in one of the preferredembodiments comprises plastic, for example acrylonitrile butadienestyrene plastic (also sometimes referred to herein as ABS plastic).

The second heat diffuser side 50 has a convex shape with a convexsurface 54. In one of the preferred embodiments the second heat diffuserside 50 is formed from sheet metal 55 that is thin, for example,stainless steel, aluminum, and/or metal alloys, and is lightweight. Inone of the preferred embodiments the thickness of the second heatdiffuser side 50 is about 0.02 inches to about 0.06 inches. The secondheat diffuser side 50 may be variously embodied, for example, the secondheat diffuser side 50 may be formed such that when joined to theairplane 20 it covers virtually any desired amount of the first andsecond wings 24, 26, tail fin 30 and first and second horizontalstabilizers 32, 34. The first and second heat diffuser sides 48, 50 meetand are joined along first and second edges 60, 62 that extend along thelength DL of the heat diffuser 46. The first and second heat diffusersides 48, 50 are joined together by fusing them together with heat, orwith an epoxy, or with a suitable sealing compound. Suitable sealingcompounds are commercially available, for example Flamemaster, 13576Desmond Street, Pacoima, Calif. 91331-2315 is a provider of sealingcompounds.

The heat diffuser 46 has opposed first and second diffuser ends 66, 68,as shown in FIG. 2, each of which is joined with the first and secondheat diffuser sides 48, 50. The first and second diffuser ends 66, 68may be made of the previously described plastic or from thin sheetmetal. As shown in FIG. 4, the adhesive 56 is disposed between, contactsand joins the leading edge 40 of the airplane 20 and the first heatdiffuser side 48. Thus, when the airplane 20 is in flight the convexsurface 54 of the heat diffuser 46 is exposed to the oncoming airflow.FIG. 4A shows another preferred embodiment wherein the second heatdiffuser side 50 a has a convex surface 54 a and is made of plastic, forexample ABS plastic. The first and second heat diffuser sides 48, 50 a,and the first and second diffuser ends 66, 68, are plastic such that theheat diffuser 46 a is formed or molded as a unitary one-piece body 47.The methods of forming plastic and ABS plastic into shapes is well knownto those having ordinary skill in the art and is therefore not describedin detail herein.

As best shown in FIG. 4, in one of the preferred embodiments an adhesive56 is applied to the leading edge 40 or is applied to the concavesurface 52 of the first heat diffuser side 48, or both. The first heatdiffuser side 48 of the heat diffuser 46 is pressed against the leadingedge 40 thus joining the heat diffuser 46 and the leading edge 40. Theadhesive 56 is waterproof and allows the heat diffuser 46 to bereleasably joined to the leading edge 40. In particular, the adhesive 56allows for the manual removal of the heat diffuser from the leading edge40. The adhesive 56 may be in the form of an adhesive layer 57 that isapplied to the first heat diffuser side 48 and/or the leading edge 40.In other preferred embodiments the heat diffuser 46 may be joined to theleading edges 40 with suitable fasteners, for example screws 51, asshown in FIGS. 4 and 4A, and the adhesive 56 would be optional. Thus,the heat diffuser 46 may be joined with and removed from the leadingedge 40 quickly. This advantageously allows for the quick installationand removal of the heat diffuser 46 from the leading edge 40 and furtherallows for quick replacement, repair, servicing and inspection of theheat diffuser 46. As will be described presently, the heat diffuser 46advantageously prevents ice build-up on the leading edge 40 and alsomelts ice build-up on the leading edge 40, thus significantly decreasingthe chances of the airplane 20 undesirably falling from the sky due toice load or loss of control. In addition, if there is ice build-up theheat diffuser 46 will cause the built-up ice to be quickly shed from theleading edge 40.

The first and second heat diffuser sides 48, 50 and the opposed firstand second diffuser ends 66, 68 define therein a diffuser cavity 70. Thediffuser cavity 70 is for holding a heat transfer fluid 80. In addition,the heat diffuser 46 has a diffuser inlet port 47 and a diffuser outletport 49 for allowing a heat transfer fluid 80 to flow in and out of thediffuser cavity 70. In one of the preferred embodiments the heattransfer fluid 80 is an inert, high viscosity, high temperature siliconeoil having a boiling point of about or over 500 degrees Celsius. Sinceinert silicone oil is used as the heat transfer fluid 80 the risksassociated with the system are minimal. Even in a worst-case scenario,for example a leak inside the counter current heat exchanger 102 (to bedescribed presently), the heat transfer fluid 80 would advantageously beejected via the exhaust pipe 110 (to be described presently), and anin-flight fire cannot occur. Other high temperature oils and fluids maybe used as the heat transfer fluid 80 in other preferred embodiments.The heat diffusers 46 provide for a constant heat source at the leadingedges 40 of the airplane 20 to advantageously prevent ice adhesion andbuild-up.

As shown in FIG. 5 the airplane leading edge deicing apparatus 42includes a fluid circuit 100 that circulates the heat transfer fluid 80.The fluid circuit 100 includes a counter current heat exchanger 102 thatadvantageously transfers heat energy from the hot exhaust gases 104discharged from the engine 106 of the airplane 20 to the heat transferfluid 80, such that the exhaust gases 104 serve as the heat source forthe fluid circuit 100. It is pointed out that the engine 106 shown inFIG. 1 is a piston driven engine.

The counter current heat exchanger 102 is best shown in FIGS. 5-7. Theexhaust gases 104 flow from the engine 106 through and through anexhaust pipe 110. The exhaust gases 104 flow in the direction of thearrow designated A. The counter current heat exchanger 102 has a housing112 that includes a housing body portion 113 joined to substantiallyidentically shaped first and second housing end walls 114, 114 a with,for example a weld. As shown in FIG. 7 the first housing end wall 114has a plurality of pipe openings 118 each being sized to receive anexhaust heat transfer pipe 120. Each of the exhaust heat transfer pipes120 is welded with a weld 122 to the first housing end wall 114 where itmeets with the first housing end wall 114 such that the exhaust heattransfer pipes 120 are internal to the housing 112. The second housingend wall 114 a is structurally identical to the first housing end wall114 and the exhaust heat transfer pipes 120 are welded to it in the samemanner as previously described in connection with the first housing endwall 114. The first and second housing end walls 114, 114 a are fluidtight in that no fluid can seep between the exhaust heat transfer pipes120 and the first and second housing end walls 114, 114 a, and no fluidcan seep between the first and second housing end walls 114, 114 a andthe housing body portion 113. The housing 112 has a housing interior 128for receiving the heat transfer fluid 80. The exhaust gases 104 flowfrom the engine 106 and through the exhaust pipe 110, through theplurality exhaust heat transfer pipes 120, and back into the exhaustpipe 110.

A housing inlet port 130 is joined to the housing body portion 113proximal the first housing end wall 114, and an outlet port 132 isjoined to the housing body portion 113 proximal the second housing endwall 114 a. The inlet and outlet ports 130, 132 may be joined to thehousing body portion 113 with welds. Heat transfer fluid 80 enters theinlet port 130 in the direction indicated by the arrow designated X(shown in FIG. 6) and flows into the interior 128 of the housing 112 andflows around the exhaust heat transfer pipes 120. The heat transferfluid 80 flows out of the housing 112 though the outlet port 132. Theheat transfer fluid 80 absorbs heat energy while flowing through thehousing interior 128. Thus, the counter current heat exchanger 102 iscapable of generating a supply of heat transfer fluid 80 that is heated.

As shown in FIG. 5, in another preferred embodiment a jet engine 109having a compressor 115 is provided. The compressor 115 compressesincoming air causing the air to become hot air 131. A hot air tube 121(shown in part in dashed lines) is joined to the jet engine 109 and isjoined to the exhaust pipe 110. The hot air 131 flows through the hotair tube 121 (in the direction of arrow A1) and into the counter currentheat exchanger 102. The hot air 131 flows around the exhaust heattransfer pipes 110 thus heating the heat transfer fluid 80 in the samemanner as previously described.

The fluid circuit 100 further includes a reservoir tank 140 for holdinga supply of the heat transfer fluid 80. A first pump 142 is provided andis for pumping the heat transfer fluid 80 from the reservoir tank 140(as indicated by the arrow designated B) through a first reservoiroutflow tube 141. The first reservoir outflow tube 141 is joined with,for example a welds, to the reservoir tank 140 and the first pump 142. Atank temperature probe 143 is disposed in the heat transfer tank 140 formonitoring the temperature of the heat transfer fluid 80 in thereservoir tank 140.

The first pump 142 is also joined to a first pump tube 144. The firstpump tube 144 is joined to a check valve 145. The first pump 142 is forpumping the heat transfer fluid 80 through the first pump tube 144 inthe direction indicated by the arrow designated C. The first pump tube144 is joined to the first pump 142 and the check valve 145 with, forexample welds. The check valve 145 is for preventing backflow of theheat transfer fluid 80 through the first pump 142. An inlet tube 148 isprovided and is joined to the check valve 145 and the inlet port 130with, for example welds. The heat transfer fluid 80 is then pumpedthrough the inlet tube 148 and through the inlet port 130 of the countercurrent heat exchanger 102 (as indicated by the arrow designated D),through the counter current heat exchanger 102 and out the outlet port132 (as indicated by the arrows designated E). The heat transfer fluid80 is pumped through the counter current heat exchanger 102 in adirection opposite the direction of flow of the exhaust gases 104. Inanother preferred embodiment the check valve 145 is not present and thefirst pump tube 144 is joined directly to the inlet port 130 with, forexample a weld.

The first pump 142 pumps the heat transfer fluid 80 that has been heatedback to the reservoir tank 140 through a first reservoir inflow tube150. The first reservoir inflow tube 150 is joined to the reservoir tank140 with, for example a weld, and is joined to the outlet port 132 with,for example a weld. Thus, the heat transfer fluid 80 in the reservoirtank 140 is capable of being supplied with heat transfer fluid 80 thathas been heated in the counter current heat exchanger 102. In one of thepreferred embodiments the temperature of the heat transfer fluid 80 inthe reservoir tank 140 is maintained at a temperature of about 150degrees Celsius by way of the above-described circulation.

The fluid circuit 100 further includes a second pump 152 for pumpingheat transfer fluid 80 from the reservoir tank 140 (as indicated by thearrow designated F) through a second reservoir outflow tube 154. Thesecond reservoir outflow tube 154 is joined to the reservoir tank 140and the second pump 142 with, for example a weld. The second pump 152pumps the heat transfer fluid 80 through a delivery tube 156 asindicated by the arrow designated G. The delivery tube 156 provides acommon source of heat transfer fluid 80 for each of the heat diffusers46 shown in FIG. 5. In particular, tap tubes 160 are joined to and tapinto the delivery tube 156. The delivery tube 156 is joined to the taptubes 160 with, for example welds. Each tap tube 160 is joined to asolenoid valve 162. A diffuser tube 164 is joined with and extends fromeach of the solenoid valves 162. The diffuser tube 164 and solenoidvalve 162 may be joined with a weld. One of the diffuser tubes 164 isjoined with each of the diffuser inlet ports 47, with for example aweld, such that heat transfer fluid 80 can flow into the diffuser cavity70 defined in that heat diffuser 46. Heat transfer fluid 80 flows in thedirection of the arrow designated H when the solenoid valve 162 for thatheat diffuser 46 is opened. Once opened, the solenoid valve 162 allowsheat transfer fluid 80 to flow through the diffuser inlet port 47 andinto the above-described diffuser cavity 70. Thus, the heat energystored in the heat transfer fluid 80 is transferred to and throughconvex surface 54 of the second heat diffuser side 50 such that theconvex surface 54 is heated. Each diffuser cavity 70 has a diffusertemperature probe 166 for detecting the temperature of the heat transferfluid 80 in that diffuser cavity 70. The second pump 152 pumps the heattransfer fluid 80 through the diffuser cavity 70 and out the diffuseroutlet port 49. It is pointed out the first and second diffuser ports47, 49 extend though the leading edge 46 of the wing 24 in one of thepreferred embodiments and as shown in FIG. 4. This does not impact thestructural integrity of the airplane 20. The exiting heat transfer fluid80 then pumped though a diffuser return tube 170 associated with thatheat diffuser 46 (in the direction indicated by the arrow designated I)and returns to the reservoir tank 140 through a common return tube 172(as indicated by the arrow designated J). The diffuser return tube 170is joined to the common return tube 172, and the common reserve tube 172is joined to the reservoir tank 140 with, for example welds. It ispointed out that the first and second pumps 142, 152 are powered by theelectrical system of the airplane 20.

In one of the preferred embodiments the first reservoir outflow tube141, the first pump tube 144, the inlet tube 148, the first reservoirinflow tube 150, the second reservoir outflow tube 154, the deliverytube 156, the tap tubes 160, the diffuser tubes 164, the diffuser returntubes 170, and the common return tube 172 are made from aluminum. Inother preferred embodiments they may be made of lightweight material,for example metal and metal alloys. This advantageously ensures theairplane leading edge de-icing apparatus 42 is lightweight.

The airplane leading edge de-icing apparatus 42 also includes amicro-controller 180 is mounted in the cockpit 28 of the airplane 20 andis in communication with the following: an outside air temperature probe182 mounted on the airplane 20 that constantly monitors the outside airtemperature, the tank temperature probe 143 disposed in the reservoirtank 140, and each of the diffuser temperature probes 166. Themicro-controller 180 controls the first and second pumps 142, 152 andthe solenoid valves 162 to ensure optimal circulation of the heattransfer fluid 80. The micro-controller 180 also alerts a pilot in theevent the heat transfer fluid 80 temperature falls outside the systemparameters so that adequate measures may be taken by the pilot, forexample flying out of the icing conditions or other inclement weather.Micro-controllers 180 and the programming and use of micro-controllers180 to control pumps and solenoid valves and detect temperatures is wellknow to those having ordinary skill in the art and are therefore notdescribed in detail herein. Micro-controllers 180 suitable for use arecommercially available from, for example Parallax Inc., having anaddress of 599 Menlo Drive, Rocklin, Calif. 95765; phone (888) 512-1024.In addition, there are other suppliers of micro-controllers 180.

In use, the pilot starts the engine 106 and the micro-controller 180automatically receives outside air temperature data from the outside airtemperature probe 182, and heat transfer fluid temperature dataregarding the temperature of the heat transfer fluid in the in thereservoir tank 140 from the tank temperature probe 143, and heattransfer fluid temperature data regarding the temperature of the heattransfer fluid in the heat diffusers 46 from the diffuser temperatureprobes 166. The micro-controller 180 automatically compares the datawith predetermined parameters to assess the heating needs of thediffusers 146. The micro-controller 180 automatically controls theoperation of the first and second pumps 142, 152 along with the openingand closing of the solenoid valves 162 to ensure the temperature of theheat transfer fluid 80 disposed in the heat diffuser 46 is maintained ina predetermined temperature range.

It is pointed out that the micro-controller 180 is constantly monitoringconditions of the reservoir tank 140 and maintains the temperature ofthe heat transfer fluid 80 in the reservoir tank 140 at about 150degrees Celsius. This is accomplished by activating the first pump 142and circulating the heat transfer fluid 80 through the counter currentheat exchanger 102 and back to the reservoir tank 140 and as previouslydescribed. Thus, there is always a supply of heat transfer fluid 80 thatis about 150 degrees Celsius ready for distribution to the heatdiffusers 46 to melt ice or preventing ice build-up. It is pointed outthat in flight the heat transfer fluid 80 in the heat diffuser 46 ismaintained at any suitable predetermined temperature, for examplebetween about 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Such temperatures aresufficient to melt ice and to prevent ice build-up.

In use and as an example, assume the airplane 20 is flying throughclouds and enters a layer of air where the outside air temperature is 15degrees Fahrenheit and the temperature of the heat transfer fluid 80 inthe heat diffuser 46 falls below the predetermined temperatureparameters. The micro-controller activates the second pump 152 causingit to pump the heated heat transfer fluid 80 to the heat diffuser 46,and the micro-controller 180 also causes the solenoid valves 162 toopen. The heat transfer fluid 80 is pumped into the heat diffuser 46 byway of the delivery tube 156, the tap tube 160, though the solenoidvalve 162 and through the diffuser tube 164, such that heat transferfluid 80 that is heated flows into the diffuser cavity 70. The heatenergy in the heat transfer fluid 80 is transferred through the secondheat diffuser side 50 and is transferred to the convex surface 54. Theheated the convex surface 54 melts or prevents ice-build up on theleading edge 40 of the airplane 20. It is pointed out that because thefirst side 48 of the heat diffuser 46 is plastic (FIGS. 3-4A) the firstside 48 serves as a thermal insulator to prevent the heat energy in theheat transfer fluid 80 from being transferred to the interior 21 of theairplane 20. The micro-controller 180 continuously activates the firstand second pumps 142, 152 and the solenoid valves 162 to maintain thetemperature of the heat transfer fluid 80 in each heat diffuser 46 inthe predetermined range, thus ensuring no ice build-up and/or constantice melting.

The airplane leading edge deicing apparatus 42 is advantageously capableof operating automatically and requires no pilot input once activated.In addition, the airplane leading edge deicing apparatus 42 draws a veryminimal amount of engine horsepower and thus little additional load isplaced on the engine 106 to achieve constant de-icing. As anillustrative example, the counter current heat exchanger 102 captures aportion of the 115,000 British Thermal Units (BTU's) of heat energygenerated during the burning of one gallon of gasoline or jet fuel andthe fluid circuit 100 distributes this heat energy the diffusers 46.

Another advantage of the airplane leading edge deicing apparatus 42 isthat it is easy to install and removed from virtually any existingairplane 20 without having to make substantial structural changes toleading edges 40 of the airplane 20. Another advantage of airplaneleading edge deicing apparatus 42 is that it takes up a minimal amountof space in the interior 21 of the airplane 20 and adds a minimal amountof weight to the airplane 20. Another advantage of the airplane leadingedge deicing apparatus 42 is that the micro-controller 180 constantlymonitors the temperature of the heat transfer fluid 80 in the reservoirtank 140 and the heat diffusers 46, controls the opening and closing ofthe first and second pumps 142, 152, and controls the opening andclosing of the solenoid valves 162 to maintain the temperature of theheat transfer fluid in the reservoir tank 140 at about 150 degreesCelsius and requires a minimal amount of pilot oversight. Thus, a supplyof heat transfer fluid 80 that is heated is constantly available forpurposes of melting or preventing ice build-up. The micro-controller 180also advantageously alerts the pilot when there is a problem with theleading edge deicing apparatus 42, for example a failure of the firstpump 142 or failure of a solenoid valve 162. This allows any suchproblems to be immediately rectified. Another advantage of the airplaneleading edge deicing apparatus 42 is that because after it is turned onit automatically begins operating thus allowing the pilot to focus onflying the airplane 20.

Another advantage of the leading edge deicing apparatus 42 is that evenif the counter current heat exchanger 102 were to spring a leak the heattransfer fluid 80 would be harmlessly expelled out of the engine alongwith the exhaust gases 104, thus eliminating all chances of causing afire on the airplane 20.

One fluid circuit 100 is sufficient for handling all the ice melting andheating needs for all the heat diffusers 46 joined to the airplane 20.But in other preferred embodiments both engines 106 may be equipped withthe above-described airplane leading edge de-icing apparatus 42.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while theairplane leading edge de-icing apparatus 42 has been described in detailherein, the airplane leading edge de-icing apparatus 42 is notnecessarily so limited and other examples, embodiments, uses,modifications, and departures from the described embodiments, examples,and uses may be made. All of these embodiments are intended to be withinthe scope and spirit of the airplane leading edge de-icing apparatus 42.

What is claimed:
 1. A method of preventing or melting ice-build up on the leading edge of an airplane comprising the acts of: providing a counter current heat exchanger, and providing a reservoir tank for containing a heat transfer fluid; providing a first pump and joining a first reservoir tube to the first pump and to the reservoir tank; providing a first pump tube and a check valve and joining the first pump tube to the check valve and the first pump; providing an inlet tube and joining the inlet tube to the check valve and to the counter current heat exchanger, and joining a first reservoir inflow tube to the countercurrent heat exchanger and to the reservoir tank; providing a second pump and joining a second reservoir outlet tube to the second pump and to the reservoir tank, and providing a delivery tube and joining the delivery tube to the to the second pump; providing a tap tube and joining the tap tube to the delivery tube and providing a solenoid valve and joining the solenoid valve to the tap tube, and providing a diffuser tube and joining the diffuser tube to the solenoid valve; providing a heat diffuser and joining the heat diffuser to the diffuser tube; providing a diffuser return tube and joining the diffuser return tube to the heat diffuser; providing a common return tube and joining the diffuser return tube to the common return tube, and joining the common return tube to the reservoir tank; using the first pump for pumping the heat transfer fluid from the reservoir tank and through the check valve and through the counter current heat exchanger and back to the reservoir tank, and using the second pump for pumping heat transfer fluid from the reservoir tank, through the delivery tube, through the tap tube, through the solenoid valve, through diffuser tube, through the heat diffuser, through the diffuser return tube and through the common return tube and back to the reservoir tank.
 2. The method according to claim 1 further including providing a micro-controller and controlling the pumping of the heat transfer fluid with the micro-controller for maintaining the temperature of the heat transfer fluid within a predetermined range of temperatures.
 3. The method according to claim 1 further including providing the heat diffuser with a first heat diffuser side having a concave shape, a second heat diffuser side having a convex shape and defining a diffuser cavity in the heat diffuser for holding the heat transfer fluid.
 4. The method according to claim 1 further including providing the heat transfer fluid to be a high temperature oil and providing the heat diffuser to be removably joined to the leading edge. 